Birmingham City v Aston Villa: What the derby does to the average fan

When Ryan Shotton, Lucas Jutkiewicz and Jonathan Kodjia walk out onto the St Andrew’s turf on Sunday afternoon, they’ll be experiencing the atmosphere of the Second City derby for the first time. They may be surprised.

After all, Blues-Villa is often overlooked in the national press by the more glamorous derbies in London, Manchester and Glasgow.

But those who have attended the fixture know there are few matches with a more lively, passionate and at times poisonous feel.

Birmingham Mail comment

Our two great clubs boast proud histories and legions of devoted fans.

The rivalry between them is legendary, but so too is their reputation for coming together as proud Brummies when the time is right.

Tomorrow’s derby is just such a moment, and we are calling on Villa and Blues fans to unite to show their support for the families fighting for justice for the 21 people who were murdered in cold blood more than 42 years ago.

After decades of campaigning, those brave, grieving families have achieved what many thought impossible.

In the face of police and Government opposition they have forced the authorities to re-open the inquests into the deaths of their loved ones.

Now, they need more strength than ever, to face what could be months of traumatic, painful evidence.

So today the Birmingham Mail joins calls for all fans to show their respect with a round of applause on the 21st minute of the match.

Please join this demonstration of support and remembrance.

Let’s praise these brave families for their tireless fight for justice.

Let’s remember the victims – Blues and Villa fans that they were – and reflect that but for that 1974 atrocity, many would have been standing beside us this weekend.

Let’s show a city united.

And above all, let’s demand justice for the 21.

11:56Steve Wollaston

Preview

11:30Steve Wollaston

Can you name the missing players in our quiz?

Here are a selection of starting line ups over the last 10 years when Aston Villa have enjoyed victory over Birmingham City.

Minute’s applause for pub bombings victims

Show your solidarity for the relatives of the Birmingham pub bombings by uniting for a minute of applause in the 21st minute of the game.

Birmingham City and Aston Villa fans have been urged to forget their differences for one minute in their derby showdown - and unite to the funding campaign by the relatives of the victimes.

A total of 21 people died when the IRA bombed two city centre bars on November 21, 1974.

The fight for justice continues.

11:04Steve Wollaston

Even match

Derby matches are rarely enjoyable occasions.

From the refs who have to deal with flying, wild tackles, to the players with the weight of expectation on their shoulders, or for the fans filled with tension from start to finish, worrying about what reaction they are going to walk into at work on Monday.

That’s unless their team has delivered a crushing defeat to their rivals (score-lines 5-1 and 3-0 spring to mind).

But Sunday’s clash at St Andrew’s between Blues and Villa is already different to most of the derbies played in this century between the two.

Bruce is the right man - Gary Rowett

Gary Rowett believes Aston Villa can get into the play-offs now they have appointed the right man in Steve Bruce.

The Birmingham City boss feels that the Bruce will have what it takes to turn things around at Villa Park, but will be hoping to put the buffers on the recovery this weekend.

Speaking ahead of the second city derby, Rowett said: “I think Steve Bruce was a fantastic choice for them and for any Championship club that needs a bit of pragmatism and a little bit of understanding about what’s required for promotion.

“He has done it before, but I’m sure he’ll face different challenges there than he has done with some of his other clubs.

“Once the game kicks off it won’t really matter who the other manager is and who the opposition team is. It’s about us trying to win the game and about us trying to perform as well as we can do and we intend to do that.”